Manchester United targeting shock Michael Carrick replacement
Jose Mourinho wants a reunion at Manchester United
Officials at Manchester United are painfully aware of the toll age is taking on Michael Carrick’s game. That means Jose Mourinho is already shopping for a summer replacement. The first name on The Special One’s list could add even more spice to United’s rivalry with Chelsea.
Reports from England claim that Mourinho has set his sights on bringing Nemanja Matic to Old Trafford. He was one of Mourinho’s first recruits when the manager first arrived at Chelsea. Of course, Matic also played a key role for Antonio Conte in his match towards this season’s Premier League title.
Interestingly, Matic doesn’t appear to have been Mourinho’s first choice. His initial target, Eric Dier, seems destined to stay at Tottenham this summer. His relationship with manager Mauricio Pochettino and his teammates are playing a key role in keeping him in North London this summer.
Matic certainly wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize for the Red Devils. He did a solid job forming a dominant partnership with N’Golo Kante in the heart of Conte’s midfield. In fairness, there are lots of Premier League midfielders who believe they could look good playing next to arguably the Premier League’s top defensive midfielder.
More from Manchester United
- Four forwards Manchester United might like to replace Cristiano Ronaldo
- Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at Manchester United
- Aston Villa vs. Man United: How Erik ten Hag can replace Bruno Fernandes
- Real Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United: Three talking points
- A few pointers to the Cristiano Ronaldo issue at Manchester United
Then again, it’s not as if Matic would be anchored next to a weak partner at United. Mourinho is searching for the perfect partner to unlock Paul Pogba’s considerable talent. Ander Herrera has done a solid job of filling that role this year, but his destiny at Manchester United may be playing further forward. The club are still searching for the right answer to their hole in the number ten position.
The real question is whether or not Chelsea are willing to send an important player to United. Matic would certainly improve Mourinho’s squad, and it’s quite possible Conte won’t be willing to do that under any circumstances. At the very least, he’s likely to demand a massive fee for his dependable midfielder.
Next: Barcelona and Real Madrid chasing top United target
United will hope that Chelsea are underestimating their ability to really compete for a Premier League title. Only then do they have a chance of purchasing Matic for a modest fee. If I were Jose Mourinho, I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one.